How I anodize aluminum

by **ratyoke** » 1 Sep 2008 20:08

samfishers wrote:I have a question... A drain opener is usualy sodium hydroxide?? right?

well. how do you get sulfuric acid drin opener??(maybe it's because they sell it where you are and maybe it dosen't exist here in Canada)

oh. and BTW are you married?? cause the dye in the crock-pot...LOL

Yes drain opener is usually sodium hydroxide. The sulfuric acid type doesn't seem to be very common. I think I have only seen it at a couple stores.

No, not married.

by **barbarian** » 1 Sep 2008 21:35

The crystals are sodium hydroxide, I have seen the liquid drain opener in some hardware stores.

Also might want to try a car parts place ( not Crap tire) a real car parts place, and ask for battery acid. It is pretty strong stuff so you have to dilute it a bunch before use. Be very carefull if you do this. You don't want straight battery acid on anything. Depending on what you buy, the stuff that goes into a battery is about 30% pure.

Face shield time.

It also has a habit of splashing when you add water. Thats why you are supposed to start with a bunch of water and add a small bit of acid at a time.

by **Brianpojo56** » 3 Sep 2008 12:24

I can't speak for Canada, but where I'm at, Sulfuric Acid is available under the brand name "Rooto". Check in your local hardware store, the jugs are usually in a plastic bag and they'll have ye olde skull and crossbones on it.

I think you can substitute the sulfuric acid with hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) available at pool supply stores and most places that sell basic pool chemicals. However, Ratyoke would need to confirm that, as I am not completely sure.

by **jamesphilhulk2** » 3 Sep 2008 17:51

i might give this a go soon, just a thought wont the acid eventually eat through the plastic containers?

by **Brianpojo56** » 3 Sep 2008 18:53

Metal containers yes.
Plastic containers no.
That's why the acid is stored in plastic containers at the store.

by **ratyoke** » 3 Sep 2008 22:41

Brianpojo56 wrote:I think you can substitute the sulfuric acid with hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) available at pool supply stores and most places that sell basic pool chemicals. However, Ratyoke would need to confirm that, as I am not completely sure.

I don't know either. I've only heard of using sulfuric.

by **jamesphilhulk2** » 4 Sep 2008 5:28

is it just aluminium that i can anodize or can i anodize other metals, i mostly work with stainless steel to make handles etc

by **Mutzy** » 4 Sep 2008 5:52

What's the surface like after anodizing? Can you engrave the aluminium without damaging the anodizing? Or should that be done before the anodizing process?

by **samfishers** » 4 Sep 2008 19:33

@Mutzy:: You can engrave it.. but the thin layer of about 0.05 will be a lot harder, but remeber it's still only 0.05

@jamesphilhulk2:: You can only anodize aluminium

@barbarian:: humm. the acid in a car battery is 30-35% sulfuric acid. the problem is getting the acid from the battery.. I did it a few times. and it's a .. but if you do it, uncharge de battery first.. (you never know)

by **ratyoke** » 9 Sep 2008 7:58

Mutzy wrote:What's the surface like after anodizing? Can you engrave the aluminium without damaging the anodizing? Or should that be done before the anodizing process?

The surface after color anodizing looks pretty much the same as it did before anodizing, except it is colored. On my picks I usually sand to 400 or 600 grit then go over it with scotch brite. I like a slightly matte finish.

You can engrave before or after anodizing, it just depends on how you want it to look. If you engrave before anodizing, the engraved lines will be colored along with the rest of the metal. If you engrave after anodizing the engraved lines will be the natural color of the aluminum.

by **ratyoke** » 9 Sep 2008 8:01

jamesphilhulk2 wrote:is it just aluminium that i can anodize or can i anodize other metals, i mostly work with stainless steel to make handles etc

Titanium and niobium can be anodized, but that is a completely different process and does not involve dye.

by **tazman** » 9 Oct 2008 5:37

good stuf got all sorts of thing to anodize.. :lol:

by **lockeymoto** » 9 Oct 2008 18:36

Very good information

Thanks

by **TheSnakey** » 13 Oct 2008 6:14

making a transformer on friday with a mate

by **samfishers** » 13 Oct 2008 21:13

yeah raytoke. I have heard of anodizing titanium.. It's heating isin't it.. if I am remebering correctly, You can go from dark purple to red....or something.

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